MongoDB Atlas vs Supabase
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right databases solution for your project.
Quick Verdict
Supabase has a feature edge based on documented capabilities, but the best choice depends on your constraints. MongoDB Atlas is best for flexible schemas, while Supabase excels at postgres lovers. See methodology for how we compare tools.
MongoDB Atlas
Cloud-native document database
Best for
Supabase
Feature edgeOpen source Firebase alternative
Best for
Feature Comparison
| Feature | MongoDB Atlas | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Document database | Yes | No |
| Full-text search | Yes | No |
| Global clusters | Yes | No |
| Serverless option | Yes | No |
| Built-in Auth | No | Yes |
| Self-hosted option | Yes | Yes |
| GraphQL API | Yes | No |
| PostgreSQL | No | Yes |
| Realtime subscriptions | No | Yes |
| Auto-generated APIs | No | Yes |
| Edge Functions | No | Yes |
| Branching | No | Yes Preview branches |
Pricing Comparison
MongoDB Atlas
Supabase
MongoDB Atlas Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Flexible document model
- +Great for unstructured data
- +Built-in search
- +Massive ecosystem
Cons
- -Not relational
- -Can be expensive at scale
- -Query language learning curve
Supabase Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Generous free tier
- +Full Postgres with extensions
- +Open source / self-hostable
- +Great developer experience
Cons
- -Smaller ecosystem than Firebase
- -Edge functions less mature
- -Can get expensive at scale
MongoDB Atlas Verdict
MongoDB Atlas is the go-to for document databases. Best when you need schema flexibility or have unstructured data.
Supabase Verdict
Supabase is the best choice for developers who want Postgres power with Firebase convenience. The free tier is unbeatable.
More options in Databases
Looking for different tradeoffs? Explore alternatives to each tool.
Frequently Asked Questions: MongoDB Atlas vs Supabase
Is MongoDB Atlas or Supabase better?
It depends on your use case. MongoDB Atlas is best for flexible schemas and content apps. Supabase is best for postgres lovers and startups. MongoDB Atlas is the go-to for document databases. Best when you need schema flexibility or have unstructured data.
Is MongoDB Atlas free?
Yes, MongoDB Atlas offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $9/mo.
Is Supabase free?
Yes, Supabase offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $25/mo.
Can I migrate from MongoDB Atlas to Supabase?
Yes, you can migrate from MongoDB Atlas to Supabase, though the complexity depends on how deeply integrated your current solution is. Most developers recommend evaluating both tools in a test environment before committing to a migration.
Which is more popular, MongoDB Atlas or Supabase?
Both MongoDB Atlas and Supabase are popular choices in their category. The best choice depends on your specific requirements, team expertise, and budget rather than popularity alone.